Ex-Sporting star comes off the bench to seal dramatic Flamengo-Racing win | OneFootball

Flamengo defeated Racing Avellaneda 1-0 at the Maracanã, in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-finals, during the early hours of Wednesday to Thursday. Gonzalo Plata, formerly of Sporting, was not in Filipe Luís's starting lineup, but came off the bench in the 55th minute.

The only goal of the match was scored by Carrascal in the 88th minute, giving the Brazilian team the advantage in the tie. The match was also marked by Pedro's injury, who was substituted in the 72nd minute after complaining about his right hand.

In the first half, both teams created good chances, including a shot from Arrascaeta that hit the crossbar. In the second half, Racing took more offensive initiative and even scored, but the goal was disallowed for an attacking foul (58’).

Flamengo also had a goal by Samuel Lino disallowed for offside (81’), before Carrascal decided the final result, capitalizing on a rebound from Cambeses after a shot by Bruno Henrique. The second leg is scheduled for next Wednesday night (early Thursday morning in Lisbon), at El Cilindro Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Now, Flamengo turns its attention back to the Brasileirão, where it sits in second place, but with the same points as leaders Palmeiras (61). The next match for Mengão is scheduled for next Saturday, October 25th, against Fortaleza.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.